Mary and Ann Visit WYAAP!

Mary and Ann Visit WYAAP!

By: Lou Angelica M. Dy

The World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific was honored to host a visit from incoming president Mary Halpine and chairman of the board Ann Seabright from February 21-March 3, 2007. As the final leg of their trip to see the regional offices of the World Youth Alliance, WYAAP was determined that the visit would be mix of work and fun with Asian flair. The first few days were spent resting, meeting the Asia Pacific staff and office interns, and of course, sampling what the local cuisine had to offer. On February 23, our guests were also able to join a walking tour of Intramuros, a historic Spanish-era town in the heart of Manila. This energetic morning was followed by a late buffet lunch, then a meeting with designer, JC Buendia.

WYAAP was lucky that Mary and Annâs visit coincided with the end of Track A training for the new batch of interns, and the morning of February 24 was spent conducting Accreditation at the WYAAP office. After the long morning, Mary, Ann, the WYAAP staff and the newly-relieved interns relaxed over a Filipino lunch. After lunch, everyone traveled to regional director Erika Tatadâs house for a small tea party, wherein Mary and Ann were introduced to the numerous Friends and Members of WYAAP.

Regional plans and future projects were discussed during a staff meeting on February 26, followed by lunch (Vietnamese this time) and a short trip to check out the bargain pearl market. The day was capped with Chinese dinner with other WYAAP members and staff.

February 27 to March 1 was spent in the Gawad Kalinga village of Brookside, an immersion for Mary and an exposure tour for Ann. It was an opportunity for WYAAP to show the fruits of our labor with our partner organization in the Viviamo! project. No trip to WYAAP would be complete without a night spent at the local karaoke club, which was perfect for unwinding after the GK exposure program.

The last full day of their visit was spent finishing last minute errands, resting, and a farewell dinner at the Tatad residence. As a parting gift, WYAAP presented Ann with a small scrapbook detailing the projects and activities WYAAP has engaged in since our inception up to their current visit. Many hugs were exchanged as we finally said goodbye to our guests on the early morning of March 3. We canât wait for the next visit!